THE REIGNING Cebu champions University of the Visayas Baby Lancers and runners-up SHS-Ateneo de Cebu would be bolstering their respective rosters with much-needed reinforcements for the upcoming SM-NBTC National Finals on March 19-23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
According to a memo that was sent to all regional commissioners of the NBTC by National Tournament Director, Manny Nitorreda, the qualified teams for the nationals “have the option to add three more players born not earlier than January 1, 1998” on their rosters.
With this in mind, UV assistant coach Gerald Ylaya bared that they are tapping no other than high school standout and former NBTC All Star Jancork Cabahug along with versatile big man, Ivan Maata, to join their team for the national finals where the Baby Lancers are seeded fourth.
Ateneo de Cebu Coach Francis Auquico also tipped his hand, disclosing that the Magis Eagles have chosen 2017 NBTC Mythical Five members Eroll Pastor and Travis Mantua as well as sharpshooter Jeremy Nacua to rejoin their team for the battle that lies ahead.
In the first round on March 19, UV will be matched up with the 29th seed while Ateneo de Cebu will be facing off against the 25th seed.
The winners of the first round will advance to the Sweet 16 on the following day. The losing teams of the first round will drop to Division 2.